WTG Farla !!!! Something special about the 3 yr mark for some reason. Of course EVERY year is to celebrate but for me it felt like a bit of a milestone. What I find wierd is that I still remember the last treatment.. 3 yrs this month, then it will be 3 yrs since rads in Jan.. then so on.. :)

Oh and Tricia, I wanted to tell you. My oldest leaves for Ireland tonight. He flies into Dublin for about 30 hours..then to London and France and final destination is Spain for his best friends wedding. He is pretty excited and said he wished he had more time to spend there.

Hi, this is the first time I've been on the site, & I'm not familiar with how to 'set up' things at all, or if this is the right place for me, just looking for a place to 'talk'. I was diagnosed Sept 2011 & had a lumpectomy. I'm 68, I have a son who lives in the same city, but I don't see him that often, my friends live in different states, and those that know don't want to talk about cancer, (including my son who told me he's not going to think about it because I'll be fine). So, I was feeling lonely, & decided to look for a forum, & looked here, enjoyed the comments I had read & decided to 'reach out'.

I don't know where to post all that personal/diagnostic info that you guys have with your posts, but given time I'll figure it out.

I have a question for all of us out there, who have looked death in the face (oh so ugly) and said nah, not ready, go away. Those of us who wondered - "Will my body betray me next year? Will I be around in 5 years? Someone with just my diagnosis died quickly - could that happen to me?"

My family lost a lot in Superstorm Sandy. My sister and family and (mean nasty) put bull evacuated to me, but lost her basement, boiler room and a car. My uncle and his family did not evacuate and we got the panicked phone call at midnight as the water broke in the basement windows and rose several feet into their first floor. They lost their car, kitchen and living room, too. But no one got hurt, and their family, (nice) dog and bunny also lived with me for almost 3 weeks. (As an aside, I did not have electricity for 2 of those 3 weeks.) They are displaced, homeless, and all their records are gone. Their doctors, lawyers, accountants, vets, and pharmacists lost all their records, and the computers got fried. They lost many things and are shell-shocked.

But.... they lost things. Things can be replaced. Somehow I think I feel less sympathetic than I should. I tried a few times to remind them that no one got hurt, that they can rebuild (oh - why get flood insurance? Fema (aka us) will rebuild for you!), but it didn't go over well. I feel guilty, and relieved that they have moved out. My sister has rented an apartment - the pit bull had gone after too many people and dogs, and my parents (finally!!!) came home from their vacation and they will take my uncle.

I mean, am I a snob? "Oh, you didn't go through CANCER so whatever your loss is, it is not important" No, I didn't say that, I know their losses are great, but they lost things, not the security of knowing you will be here next year.

Welcome Sandi. It's hard to go through this feeling that you don't have much support. When I was diagnosed in 1986, people still weren't talking about breast cancer very openly and there was no internet to turn to, so I know how that feels. We are here to support you and answer any questions we can. I'd also recommend that you find a support group (either a breast cancer group or even just a really good women's support group) so that you have the kind of support you need right now. Please keep us posted on how you get along. There is a thread on the Sound Off forum called The Waiting Room, which is a good place to go to talk about this process. Also, the Daily Diary of Joy is a place to just get to know the women here and to share what's good in your life. I wish you the best.

Farla, I'm so sorry for you and your family members. I had several family members who went without power for weeks, but who, thank goodness, didn't lose their homes and weren't injured. I know what you mean--it's a matter of perspective. No one really understands what it's like to face a cancer diagnosis unless they've faced it, period. At the same time, I think it may be too soon for your relatives to put this all into perspective. They've been through a lot, and it's still new and raw for them. Hopefully, when they can get back into their homes, they will look around and realize that they are blessed indeed. Truthfully, though, you are wonderful for taking them all in--especially the nasty pit bull! I'm glad your power is back on--it's amazing how much warmth and light means to us humans! Lovexo

Hi Sandi and welcome, if you'd like any help with the site send me a pm and/or go to the welcome forum which is the first one on the main page and you'll see lots of info to help you!:)............Farla what an Angel you are to take them all in and I can fully understand you feeling relieved now they're gone. I think BC really does teach us whats important in life and those who have not had it don't get it, I'm sure in the months to come they'll all accept how lucky they were to be unhurt but I can understand your feelings too and don't think you're being snobby at all but just appreciating life from the perspective of a Survivior!